Dana R. Hando Speaks Out on Texas Restaurant's Domestic Violence Controversy

PHILADELPHIA, PA, May 01, 2013

Dana R. Hando, who has worked and volunteered at a shelter for domestic abuse victims, is speaking out on a controversy caused by a restaurant in Houston, Texas. The eatery gained serious negative attention upon posting a sign outside that read, "Beer should be like violence: domestic." Within 10 minutes of the sign's appearance, complaints flooded Roots Bistro's Facebook and Twitter pages, as individuals took pictures of the sign and posted them online.

Dissatisfied individuals and consumers issued their thoughts about the sign. One Facebook user wrote on the establishment's social media page, "Was really disappointed when I saw this. Domestic violence is not a joke."

The eatery's manager, Kenneth Choate, offered up an explanation for the ill-fated joke, explaining that he had seen a similar sign on another business's marquee. He states, "Everyone makes mistakes. We completely deserved the backlash, and I can't be mad at anyone but myself." As the restaurant tried to correct the problem, they ended up causing more controversy when they replaced the marquee with a message that read, "Seriously, focus your energy on equal rights."

The new messaging further infuriated customers. Another social media user took to Facebook to write, "I'm most upset about the second sign that made light of the damage the first sign did. Y'all are like a little kid that has to be forced to apologize for doing something hurtful."

Finally, the restaurant took down the second message and posted a new thought that says, "Sorry a million times over Houston." Dana R. Hando speaks out on this controversy stating, "Unfortunately, it seems that some individuals don't realize that domestic violence is not an issue to be taken lightly. After my experience working in shelters for individuals who have endured abuse, I know that this problem is no laughing matter. Domestic violence kills and injures large numbers of innocent people each year, and therefore should not be made into a joke. People should understand the severity of this issue."

Eventually, a general manager at the restaurant posted an apology on the company's Facebook page stating, "In no way would we ever promote violence on any level. We work tirelessly to support the people and organizations in this city, and would never want to hurt or offend anyone." While some clients accepted this mea culpa, others were not as quick to forgive the eatery's choice in judgment, continuing to express their displeasure via social media.

Dana R. Hando states, "It's unfortunate that this situation happened in the first place. No business or individual should take domestic violence as a joke. However, it's important that the restaurant realized the mistake they had committed." Dana R. Hando concluded, "Hopefully they will act with more sensitivity in the future."

ABOUT:

Dana R. Hando is a 23-year-old student who lives in Houston, Texas. In the future, she hopes to become a psychological therapist for abuse victims, helping individuals to rebuild their lives after experiencing domestic violence. Dana R. Hando has spent time volunteering at shelters for victims of domestic abuse, and knows firsthand how devastating this issue is.